Dudamel is today's wunderkind, and he is a real talent . . . there is no doubting his ability to galvanize musicians, youth, and whole communities with an infectious and irresistible love of music that cannot be denied . . . The two overtures are also quite invigorating, with "Egmont" providing lots of chills and excitement, tailor made for Dudamel's personality.

The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela is conducted on this excellent new recording of "Eroica" by the classical music world's equivalent of a superstar, Gustavo Dudamel . . . What it has retained are the energy and passion for which its performances have been acclaimed, and, with maturity, it has gained greater technical control and a more profound musicianship . . . [the richly resounding recording] is as full-blooded, heroic, and soul-stirring as the music demands . . . [a] highly recommended CD.

Record Review /
Robert Ripps,
Sound & Vision / 01. October 2012

The opening allegro con brio of the "Eroica" is a moderately brisk one, and the phrasing is crisply executed by this always-impressive orchestra. The clearly delineated instrumental articulation is everything that we have come to expect from these musicians as well . . . [in the Scherzo] the horns of the trio fairly chortle their joyous calls. The playful set of variations in the finale is carried off with aplomb . . . The overture to "The Creatures of Prometheus" is, of course, most appropriate as a companion to the symphony, and it receives a spirited performance . . . The sound production is impressive, with full-bodied stereo, very good bass, and decent instrumental definition, all within an expansive sound stage. Altogether, this is a highly entertaining and excellently performed version of the "Eroica," and the two overtures are, at the very least, interesting for what they add to Dudamel's Beethoven discography. Recommended.

This is the best conducting I have heard from Gustavo Dudamel, and the best playing from the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra . . . [Symphony no. 3]: The playing on this disc is tremendous, with the orchestra providing a glowing central European sound. The winds are impressive and the horns rise to the Symphony's notorious challenges, particularly in the Trio of the third movement . . . there is much beauty to be found here and some devastating climaxes. The two overtures are also given high-voltage accounts and that is an impressive achievement . . .